March 15 2012

7:20 PM

PALM HARBOR, Fla. -- If this is Kenny Perry’s last year
playing here, it might be a good one -- at least judging by how he
played Thursday anyway.

Perry, who is sponsored by Transitions, which is in its last
year of title sponsorship here, shot a 5-under 66 Thursday to sit
high on the leaderboard after his opening round.

This is also a rare appearance for Perry on the PGA TOUR. Though
the 51-year-old has full eligibility, he’ll spend much of the
year on the Champions Tour.

“It's good to come back and play with my old
buddies',” said Perry, who is playing in his third TOUR event
of the season. “I'm just enjoying life, I'm just playing
where I want to play, go where I want to go.”

Thursday, Perry had plenty to enjoy. He made a half-dozen
birdies and just one bogey in his lone round in the 60s out here
this year.

A one point, Perry birdied four straight holes and five of six
in the middle of his round. His only hiccup came on the 18th, where
he hit to the back of the green on his approach, put his next shot
to 6 feet and missed the par putt.

“I putted beautifully today,” said Perry, who had 28
putts and made five of them from beyond 10 feet. “That was
probably the best round of golf I've ever played on this golf
course. This course usually beats me up pretty bad.”